LONG LIVE A$AP REVIEW
LiveLoveA$AP was one of the best mix tapes of 2011. Combining east coast sensibilities with southern trill flair add some Clams Casino production and you got a hit. It was an infectious mix tape that helped build the hype for this young emcee. Now fast forward the clock a bit and we now have Long Live A$AP. A$AP Rocky's debut studio album. Does it live up to the hype?
Yes and No. The album features similar beats to those that appeared on LiveLoveA$AP. At times this album feels erratic like it doesn't know what direction it wants to go in. Like on the song Wild for The Night which features production from Skillrex. The beat does not work, A$AP Rocky sounds like he's confused about how to rap over this dubstep beat and Skillrex's beat sounds equally confused.
A$AP's flow is effortless even though he isn't saying anything at all. He has no stories to tell, no political statements to make, there really aren't even any good one liners from him. Any track on the album that features other artists he is out shined easily, like on the fantastic posse track 1Train which features Danny Brown, Yelawolf, Action Bronson, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T. and Joey BadA$$.
A$AP raps about money,clothes,women and drugs, and there is nothing wrong with that. Not every album needs to be a world changing album with an overreaching message. But I can't help feeling like there is a smarter more talented rapper inside of A$AP. When I listen to his interviews he seems like a progressive smart man, but when he rhymes all he talks about is swag.
At the end of the day it isn't a terrible album but it says absolutely nothing and if A$AP Rocky wants to live forever he is going to have to expand the topics he raps about. I give LongLiveA$AP 3 OUTTA 5 Stars.
STAND OUT TRACKS: Goldie, LongLiveA$AP, Fucking Problems and 1Train
RATING: 3 OUTTA 5
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